If you’re new to quilting, you can absolutely make a beautiful jelly roll race quilt on your first try. You’ll love how fast this project comes together—using precut strips means you skip most of the prep and jump right into the fun part.
Many quilters choose this style because it’s simple and so enjoyable to sew. Fanda Fabrics offers high-quality Jelly Rolls and quilting fabrics that make every tutorial easy to follow. Try out traditional, modern, or colorful looks and see how creative you can get!
Key Takeaways
Jelly roll race quilts are beginner-friendly and can be completed in just a few hours, making them perfect for new quilters.
Using pre-cut jelly rolls saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on the fun part of sewing without the hassle of cutting fabric.
You can customize the size of your quilt by adjusting the number of strips you use, giving you flexibility in your project.
Experiment with colors and patterns to create a unique quilt that reflects your personal style; mixing bold and soft tones can enhance your design.
Finishing touches like borders and decorative stitching can elevate your quilt, making it a true showcase of your creativity.
Jelly Roll Race Quilt Basics
What Is a Jelly Roll Race Quilt?
A jelly roll race quilt is one of the most exciting and beginner-friendly quilt projects you can try. This quilt style first appeared in the early 1900s when quilters stitched together leftover fabric scraps.
The process changed dramatically in 2006 when pre-cut fabric strips, called jelly rolls, hit the market. These strips made quilting much faster and more accessible for everyone. Today, you can create a standard jelly roll race quilt in just a few hours, making it a favorite for both new and experienced quilters.
Here’s what sets this quilt apart:
You use a single collection of 40 fabric strips.
You sew all the strips end-to-end to make one long strip.
You fold and sew the strip together several times, cutting the folded edge open after each seam.
After five seams, you have a finished quilt top that looks unique every time.
Why Choose Jelly Rolls?
Jelly rolls make quilting simple and fun. You don’t need to spend hours cutting fabric. Just open your roll and start sewing. Jelly rolls give your quilt a coordinated look because the strips come from the same fabric line.
This means your colors and patterns always work well together. Many quilters say cutting fabric is the hardest part, but jelly rolls take that step out of the process.
Fanda Fabrics offers jelly rolls made from 100% cotton. You get soft, durable strips with vibrant colors and patterns. Their modern factory processes ensure every strip is consistent. You also get great value for the quality.
Beginner-Friendly Features
If you’re new to quilting, a standard jelly roll race quilt is the perfect place to start. Here’s why:
Pre-cut strips mean you skip the hardest prep work.
The design is easy to follow, even if you’ve never quilted before.
You finish your project quickly, which keeps you motivated to try more.
You’ll love how fast you can make a beautiful quilt with Fanda Fabrics’ jelly rolls. The process is straightforward, and you get to enjoy the creative part right away.
Materials and Fabric Selection
Essential Supplies
You don’t need a long list of tools to start your jelly roll race quilt. Here’s what you’ll want on your table:
Fanda Fabrics Jelly Rolls
Sewing machine
Thread (cotton works best)
Scissors or rotary cutter
Pins or clips
Iron and ironing board
A jelly roll of fabric is the star of this project. These precuts come as strips, so you skip the measuring and cutting. The quality and variety of your jelly roll fabric collection will shape the look and feel of your quilt. Your sewing machine and technique also play a big part in the final result.
Tip: Lay out your strips before sewing. You’ll see how the colors and patterns work together and can adjust the order for a more balanced look.
Choosing Fanda Fabrics Jelly Rolls
You have lots of choices when it comes to jelly roll brands. Some popular names include:
Moda
Timeless Treasures
FreeSpirit
Marcus Fabrics
Wilmington Prints
Riley Blake Designs
Fanda Fabrics stands out for its high-quality cotton, vibrant colors, and fresh patterns. Their jelly rolls make quilting easier and more fun. You get coordinated strips that save you time and help you create a quilt that looks professional, even if you’re just starting out.
Pre-cut strips from Fanda Fabrics offer several advantages:
You save time because you don’t need to cut fabric.
You waste less fabric, which makes your project more efficient.
The coordinated colors and patterns give you lots of creative options.
Colorful Jelly Roll Quilt Inspiration
Want your quilt to pop? Try mixing bold shades with softer tones. You can use pink jelly roll fabric for a cheerful touch or blend different prints for a playful vibe. Look for a jelly roll fabric collection that includes a mix of solids, florals, and geometric patterns. This makes your colorful jelly roll quilt unique and eye-catching.
If you love variety, Fanda Fabrics offers precuts in many themes and colors. You can create a quilt that matches your style, whether you prefer classic, modern, or something in between.
Step-by-Step Jelly Roll Race Quilt Guide
Ready to dive in? This is where the magic happens! Follow these step-by-step instructions to assemble your jelly roll race quilt top. You’ll find this tutorial easy to follow, even if you’ve never made a quilt before. Let’s get started!
Preparing and Joining Strips
The first step in this tutorial is all about getting your strips ready and joining them together. Here’s how you do it:
Open your jelly roll and lay out all the strips. Take a moment to admire the colors and patterns. This is a fun part of the tutorial because you get to play with the look of your quilt top.
Arrange the strips in the order you like. Try not to keep duplicate fabrics together. Mix up the prints for a more dynamic quilt top.
Join the strips end to end. Place two strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle. Sew across the corner to make a diagonal seam. This technique helps the seams blend in and keeps the top looking smooth.
Trim the excess fabric from each seam, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This step keeps your quilt top neat and reduces bulk.
Continue joining all the strips until you have one very long strip—about 1,600 inches if you use a full roll!
Press the seams. You can press them open for a flatter top or to the side for more stability. Both methods work well for sewing the strips together.
Tip: After you finish joining the strips, cut off the first 18 inches of the long strip. This staggers the seams and gives your quilt top a more random, interesting look.
Folding and Sewing Rows
Now you’ll start folding and sewing rows to build your quilt top. This part of the tutorial is where you see your quilt come together quickly.
Fold the long strip in half, right sides together, matching the ends.
Sew along the long edge from one end to the other. When you reach the fold, cut it open. Now you have a strip that’s half as long and twice as wide.
Repeat the folding and sewing process. Fold the strip in half again, sew along the edge, and cut the fold open. Each time you do this, your quilt top gets wider and shorter.
Continue until you have the desired number of rows. Usually, after five times, you’ll have a finished quilt top with 32 rows.
Press the quilt top flat with an iron. This step helps your top look crisp and professional.
Note: Don’t stress about the order of the strips as you sew. The beauty of this tutorial is that the top always looks unique!
Adjusting Quilt Size
Want a different size for your jelly roll race quilt? You can easily customize your quilt top by changing the number of strips you use. Here’s a handy table to help you measure and plan:
Quilt Size | Number of 40″ Strips | Finished Size (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
Baby | 20 | 32.5″ x 50″ |
Lap | 40 | 50″ x 64.5″ |
Twin | 70 | 64″ x 88″ |
Queen | 105 | 87.5″ x 96.5″ |
King | 120 | 100″ x 96.5″ |
You can also use this formula to calculate how many strips you need for your quilt top:[(Length/2) x Width]/40 = number of strips needed
If you want more rows, add extra strips. If you want a smaller quilt top, just use fewer strips. Fanda Fabrics offers jelly rolls in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can mix and match to get the perfect look for your quilt top.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even the best tutorials can run into a few bumps. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Duplicate fabrics together? Don’t worry! The random look is part of the charm. Next time, try shuffling your strips more before you start.
Seems not lining up? Offset your seams by cutting off the first 18 inches of your long strip before you start folding and sewing rows together.
Bulk at the seams? Press your seams open for a flatter quilt top, or to the side for more stability. Both methods work well in this tutorial.
Quilt top too small or too large? Adjust the number of strips you use. Measure your bed or space before you start, and refer to the table above for guidance.
Fraying edges? Use binding to encase the raw edges of your finished quilt top. This step keeps your quilt looking neat and helps it last longer.
Remember: Fanda Fabrics’ jelly rolls are made from premium cotton, so your quilt top will feel soft and look vibrant. The pre-cut strips save you time and let you focus on the creative part of the tutorial.
With these instructions and tips, you’ll find that making a jelly roll race quilt is not only fast but also a lot of fun. The variety and quality of Fanda Fabrics’ jelly rolls give you endless creative flexibility for your next quilt top. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your tutorials!
Modern Jelly Roll Race Quilt Ideas
Creative Variations
You can give your modern jelly roll race quilt a fresh twist by exploring creative design options. Fanda Fabrics’ Jelly Rolls Quilting Fabric and Pink Jelly Roll Fabric open up endless possibilities. Try mixing ombre strips for a sleek, contemporary vibe.
Vibrant, nearly solid colors create a bold statement. If you want something playful, add half-square triangle columns or wide cream strips with appliques. Scenic designs with batik borders and solid black frames look striking.
You might love adding 3D flowers, leaves, or applique daisies for a whimsical touch. Fall-themed batik colors and leaf appliques bring warmth to your quilt.
Variation Description | Example |
|---|---|
Half-square triangle column | Adds width and breaks up long strips |
Wide cream strips with appliques | Owl appliques for a unique look |
Scenic design with batik borders | Colorful batiks and a solid black border |
3D flowers and leaves | Whimsical elements on the borders |
Applique daisies | Large flowers that pop against the strips |
Fall-themed batik colors | Rich colors and leaf appliques |
Tip: Lay out your strips before sewing to see how your creative choices will look together.
Borders and Focus Prints
Borders and focus prints can transform your modern jelly roll race quilt into a true showpiece. You can fold the long runner in half and resew the halves to adjust the width. Add a section in the middle using leftover blocks or a fabric panel that matches your strip set.
Try adding a first border that measures 3 inches, then a second border at 6 inches for a layered effect. Borders of different widths frame your quilt and make the colors pop. Focus prints, like a bold floral or geometric panel, draw attention and add personality.
Fold and resew for extra width
Insert a fabric panel or leftover blocks in the center
Consult with fabric store staff for new ideas
Note: Borders give your quilt a finished look and help highlight your favorite prints.
Finishing Touches
Finishing your modern jelly roll race quilt is all about adding those personal details. Fanda Fabrics’ jelly roll products make this step easy. The pre-cut strips save you time, and the coordinated colors and patterns help you create a visually appealing quilt.
You can use leftover strips for binding or add decorative stitching for texture. Try making matching tote bags or table runners with extra fabric. The versatility of Fanda Fabrics means you can experiment with new patterns and styles every time you quilt.
Pre-cut strips speed up your process
Coordinated colors and patterns make the design simple
Create quilts, runners, and bags with the same jelly roll
🎉 Celebrate your creativity! Every modern jelly roll race quilt you make will reflect your unique style and the premium quality of Fanda Fabrics.
Conclusion
You can make a jelly roll race quilt with just a few easy steps. Enjoy the process and feel free to mix up your strips or discard ones you don’t love. Measure your long strip and adjust the size as you go.
Try new tutorials, experiment with colors, and use leftover strips for mini projects. Share your finished quilts and explore more ideas at Fanda Fabrics. You’ll find endless inspiration and fabric options for every creative mood.
Combine strips for your perfect size.
Mix colors and patterns for a unique look.
Pull strips randomly for a fun surprise.
FAQ
How long does it take to make a jelly roll race quilt?
You can finish a jelly roll race quilt top in just a few hours. If you’re new to quilting, you might need a little more time, but you’ll still complete it much faster than most other quilt styles.
Do I need to pre-wash jelly roll strips before sewing?
No, you don’t need to pre-wash jelly roll strips. The pre-cut edges can fray if you wash them first. You can sew them straight from the roll and enjoy the vibrant colors right away.
Can I use leftover jelly roll strips for other projects?
Absolutely! You can use extra strips for tote bags, table runners, pillow covers, or even quilt binding. Jelly roll leftovers are perfect for small, creative projects.
What size needle and thread should I use?
Use a universal needle, size 80/12 or 90/14, with high-quality cotton thread. This combo works well with jelly roll fabrics and helps your seams stay strong and smooth.
Where can I find more jelly roll fabric options?
You’ll find a huge selection of jelly rolls at Fanda Fabrics. Explore new colors, patterns, and themes to inspire your next quilt project! 🧵
